Chapter Sixteen
“Miss Lockhart?”
The voice of the butler stirred Verity from the book she had been reading. She looked up and saw him hovering by the entrance to the drawing room.
“The Trenton carriage is here, miss.”
Verity laid the book down on the little table beside her. “Thank you. I am ready.” She rose and followed him out to the foyer where a footman helped her with her wrap, then opened the front door for her.
At the bottom of the steps, one of the Trenton footmen stood waiting to help her up into the carriage. Verity’s shoes tapped down the stairs and crunched across the gravel.
Immediately, Charlotte Trenton’s head peeked out the carriage door. “Miss Lockhart! Do join us. I hope you don’t mind, but my brothers have indicated their interest in today’s lecture and are riding with us. Here, come and sit beside me.”
Verity entered the gloom of the interior, her heart pounding in her chest. She had been looking forward to this outing for days, counting the hours to her first sanctioned study of the fascinating creatures she was normally expected to avoid.
Another part of her—though much smaller—was nervous to be seeing Dr. Westbridge again. He had been on her mind constantly. Not in the same way Mr. Cole had occupied her thoughts. But she had to admit, the doctor was a very promisingcandidate for her affection. He did not have the same giddying effect upon her that Mr. Cole did, but William Cole had lost interest, and it was pointless pining for him—even though her heart had not been cooperating with this practical wisdom.
With William Cole beyond her reach, she had to consider other possibilities. Perhaps today, after she had spent more time in Arthur Westbridge’s company, the good doctor would awaken deeper feelings within her than mere appreciation. She would leave the door to her heart ajar and see if Dr. Westbridge was able to swing it open more fully.
At least, this had been her intention.
Except now, on the seat across from her, sat the two Messrs. Cole: Lawrence Cole, who was happily married and nodding his head politely at her, and William Cole, infuriatingly handsome and frustratingly unattached. And the beats of her heart stepped up several notches.
“Miss Lockhart,” said Lawrence Cole, “please forgive us. We have made bold to insert ourselves into your day. You see, I am rarely able to spend time with my brother. When he mentioned this fine lecture on Egyptiancoleopteraand told me that he planned to attend, I took it upon myself to tag along. I believe we will be blessed with your fine knowledge on the subject if we have questions afterward.”
Verity was, to put a point to it, confused. Mr. Cole—that is to say,WilliamCole—had spoken of combining forces with her so that they might find each other good matches. Surely, he did not hope to find a bride among countless insect displays reeking of camphor? Or had he merely come to support her in her endeavor? That was more likely. He was no fool. He would have realized that Dr. Westbridge showed potential. It had just never occurred to her how devotedly Mr. Cole would champion her future. Nor did she wholly believe she wanted that. If he would show half as much interest in her for his own sake…
“I’m afraid I will not be of much use in that regard, sir,” Verity answered Lawrence Cole. “I am well versed on our English countryside and its tiny inhabitants, but I know very little, if anything, about Egyptian beetles. However, Dr. Westbridge might have broader knowledge. If not, I imagine the gentleman giving the lecture will welcome interest in his specialty.”
“Ah, Miss Lockhart.” Mrs. Trenton sighed. “If only you had asked me to chaperone you to a tea house. I do love a good cake. And the conversation is more likely to be palatable, too.”
William Cole, who had been unusually quiet, spoke at last. “Might we reward my sister for her sacrifice, Miss Lockhart? We could stop for tea after the lecture. Unless you are expected home at a particular time.”
“I am not,” Verity replied. “Although I would not linger too late for fear of making my sister worry.”
“Oh, dear.” Mrs. Trenton put her palm to her belly and pulled a face. “Let us see if I have a stomach for cake after the Entomological Society has filled my mind with images of crawling things.”
Verity cast a thoughtful eye at William Cole. What was he up to? Tea with his siblings need not include herself. And he was unlikely to discuss his opinions on Dr. Westbridge’s suitability in front of his brother. So why invite her along? Was he just being charitable?
An unlikely possibility entered her mind. If he was secretly trying to court her, that would explain his desire to spend more time with her. And she would gladly accept. But he was not. He had had the opportunity to indicate his intentions at the ball. Yet instead of seeking out her company for his own sake, he had asked for her help as merely a friend. Help, no less, in finding a different match for him altogether.
Because Verity knew that, her choice regarding tea was undecided. More time with the delectable Mr. Cole? An afternoon of laughter and great conversation? Yet also more time to forcibly resist his allure. To enjoy him from a distance, knowing that he was never to be hers. No, it was better to refuse.
“Shall we arrange a separate outing for the ladies instead?” Verity offered. “An hour or two devoted to fine English tea and excellent cake? No insects to speak of. You are right, Mr. Cole, Mrs. Trenton deserves just such a show of gratitude. And my sister would be thrilled to join us.”
William Cole’s face fell. He shuffled his expression back to its usual friendly arrangement almost immediately, but his eyes remained sad a moment longer. Even his brother glanced at him briefly, as if offering silent support.
Poor Mr. Cole. He was trying so hard to be a better man. Verity regretted robbing him of his generous attempt at chivalry. But she dared not allow him even an inch closer to her heart. He would simply have to find someone else upon whom to practice his improved nature.
Mercifully, he made no further appeal for Verity to join them. Instead, Mrs. Trenton said, “That is very kind, Miss Lockhart. Of course, there is also the community picnic planned for next week. No doubt, we shall all see each other there.” She looked with particular kindness upon her younger brother as she said this. Verity could see that she, too, wanted him to find his true love. A casual gathering of that size would certainly present him with a wide array of ladies from which to choose.
“Will you be attending, Miss Lockhart?” asked Mrs. Trenton. All eyes turned to Verity. Was she mistaken, or was there a strong sense of anticipation in the carriage?
“If Hope and Daniel will be there, I will be too,” Verity guessed.
“Ah, well,” replied Mrs. Trenton, “we know the Sinclairs love a good picnic. Your family has a particular fondness for the outdoors, I have noticed. I shall remind your sister. It would be such a pity to miss it.”
William Cole turned his attention to his shoes. There was nothing about them that Verity could see that should warrant such a keen eye. They were quite new and well-polished. Perhaps he was simply confirming that this was indeed so.
